The World 2026

Trump’s shock and awe vision for a new era of US power; Martin Wolf on the dangerous triumph of neo-mercantilism; scrutiny of multilateralism, defence spending, trade and AI; delving into WEF at Davos and how to speak Davosian

• Trump’s shock and awe vision for US power

  The leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos harbour deep anxiety about US foreign policy

  new

  
• The dangerous triumph of neo-mercantilism

  Liberal trade policies are giving way to frictions that could lead to outright conflict

  new

  
• Stimulus from defence spending could prove elusive

  Many countries are increasing their budgets in a rearmament drive, but benefits to innovation and the economy are less certain

  new

  
• Trade Armageddon has failed to materialise

  US import duties are the highest since the second world war, but the rest of the world is showing resilience

  new

  
• How to speak Davosian — for beginners

  The phrases you might hear at this year’s World Economic Forum . . . and what they really mean

  new

  
• A long history of reinvention on the Davos ‘magic mountain’

  From sanatoriums to skiing and then conference centre for the world elite, the resort has adapted to many kinds of visitor

  new

  

More from this Special Report

• AI’s impact on jobs is set to become more pronounced

  Concerns that the plight of recent graduates will worsen are growing

  new

  
• Multilateral world under threat as Trump takes aim

  US president has global initiatives in his crosshairs

  new

  
• Gen Z protests show level of youth frustration

  Exasperated by lack of opportunity and freedoms, young people across the globe are resorting to direct action

  new

  
• Germany is reigniting cautious optimism in Europe’s economy

  Berlin’s fiscal stimulus will have far-reaching effects

  new